To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 17-23 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why does Atticus think it is so important to determine which side of Mayella's face is bruised?

Atticus thinks it is important because it could indicate the person who hit her, particularly since Mr. Ewell is left-handed.

What opinions may be changed by this discovery?

Some opinions that might be changed are about Mr. Ewell possibly staging the beating and rape to get a black man in trouble.

Describe the Ewell's living conditions. What is the one thing they have that makes them better than their nearest neighbors?

The Ewells lived behind a dumpster and not many people passed by their house, but they had the privilege of being white.

What is interesting about Mr. Ewell writing on the back of an envelope?

It is interesting because the lawyer noticed that Mr. Ewell is left-handed. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mayella Ewell resent Atticus' manner?

Mayella resents Atticus' manner because she is not used to being called 'Miss Mayella' and thinks he is making fun of her. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the fact that Atticus can get only one witness?

It highlights that it is a black man's word against many whites. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Tom Robinson.

Tom Robinson was 25 years old, big and built, had a limp left hand, was married with three children, and worked for Mr. Raymond. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout think Tom is like Atticus?

Scout thinks Tom is like Atticus because his manners are good, just in their own way. Signup and view all the answers

What is unusual about Dolphus Raymond?

He has married a colored woman and pretends to be a drunk. Signup and view all the answers

What 'mistake' did Tom make in the questioning?

Tom made the mistake of stating that he felt sorry for Mayella Ewell. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Scout feel sorry for Mayella Ewell?

Scout thinks Mayella must be the loneliest person in the world, with no friends and rarely leaving home. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dill cry?

Dill cries because he couldn't stand Mr. Gilmer's hateful treatment of Tom. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dolphus Raymond pretend to be drunk?

He pretends to be drunk to provide a rationale for his lifestyle with black people. Signup and view all the answers

List all the reasons Atticus brings out to show Tom is innocent.

Mayella kissed Tom first, she realized it was wrong, she was beaten on the right side, and Mr. Ewell is left-handed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus say to the jury?

Atticus asserts that Mayella tried to put Tom away because he is black and that someone savagely beat her. Signup and view all the answers

What was the jury's verdict?

The jury found Tom Robinson guilty of raping and beating Mayella Ewell. Signup and view all the answers

What does the last line of Chapter 21 mean?

It signifies that the African Americans are standing up for Atticus, showing their support. Signup and view all the answers

How did Atticus react to the kids having been in court?

Atticus looked exhausted and asked the kids to go home and eat. Signup and view all the answers

How did Aunt Alexandra react?

Aunt Alexandra nearly fainted and then ate sadly. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jem's reaction to the verdict?

Jem cried and said it wasn't right for Tom to be convicted. Signup and view all the answers

What did Atticus find in his kitchen the next morning?

He found a full table of food prepared for him and his family. Signup and view all the answers

What act of kindness did Miss Maudie do for the children the next day?

Miss Maudie made a big cake and two little ones for Jem and Dill. Signup and view all the answers

How does Miss Maudie show that Jem has come of age?

She gives Jem a slice of the big cake, while children usually get the small cakes. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Miss Maudie explain that Atticus was named to defend Tom Robinson instead of Maxwell Green?

Atticus was named because he was the only one who could keep the jury out for a long time. Signup and view all the answers

What did Bob Ewell do to Atticus?

Bob Ewell threatened that he would kill Atticus. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Atticus say Bob Ewell threatened him?

Atticus says it was because he destroyed the last of Ewell's credibility in the trial. Signup and view all the answers

What does he think will come of the threats?

Atticus believes there is nothing to fear from Bob Ewell. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Tom Robinson?

Tom Robinson was held in Enfield Prison Farm. Signup and view all the answers

What is Atticus' opinion of any white man who cheats black men?

Atticus believes such a white man is trash, regardless of their wealth or status. Signup and view all the answers

What man on Tom's jury wanted an acquittal?

Walter Cunningham's double first cousin wanted an acquittal. Signup and view all the answers

Name the four kinds of folks Jem says there are in the world.

They are the ordinary folks like the Finches, the Cunninghams, the Ewells, and then the Negroes. Signup and view all the answers

How many kinds of folks does Scout believe there are?

Scout believes that there is only one kind of folks, and it's just folks. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Events and Character Insights

Atticus emphasizes the importance of identifying which side of Mayella's face was bruised, hinting at inconsistencies in the testimony and possible fabrication of the charges against Tom Robinson.
The fact that Mayella was not taken to a doctor raises doubts about the validity of her claim of rape.
Understanding which hand caused the injury could implicate Mr. Ewell, as he is left-handed while Tom Robinson's left hand is disabled.

The testimony reveals biases in society; opinions may shift as evidence points to Mr. Ewell staging the attack.
The Ewells' impoverished living conditions contrast sharply with others, highlighting social hierarchies and the stigma associated with extreme poverty.

Legal Strategy and Courtroom Dynamics

Mr. Ewell's use of the envelope to write establishes his left-handedness, a strategic observation for Atticus in his defense.
Mayella's resentment towards Atticus is rooted in her unfamiliarity with respect and kindness, indicating her isolated upbringing.

Themes of Race and Justice

The trial emphasizes systemic racism, evidenced by the lack of witnesses willing to support Tom Robinson.
Tom Robinson is depicted as a hardworking man with a family, yet he faces prejudice due to his race.

Emotional Responses and Childhood Innocence

Dill's emotional reaction to Mr. Gilmer's treatment of Tom reflects the sense of injustice felt by the children, exposing the harsh realities of racism.
Scout's empathy for Mayella points to her growing understanding of human loneliness and suffering.

Community and Support Systems

Following the verdict, Jem's devastation illustrates the deep impact of racism on his understanding of morality and justice.
Miss Maudie's gesture of baking cakes signifies community support and care for the children during a tumultuous time.

Consequences and Retaliation

Bob Ewell's threat against Atticus underscores the ongoing tension after the trial, revealing the dangers of standing up against racism.
Atticus's perspective on Ewell’s threats indicates a rejection of fear, reinforcing his moral stance.

Atticus's Values and Morality

Atticus expresses disdain for any white man who exploits black individuals, reinforcing his principles of equality and justice.
His steadfast demeanor in the face of adversity represents the moral backbone required to challenge societal injustices.

Family Dynamics and Growth

Scout’s and Jem's differing views on the world indicate their evolving understanding and maturation amidst complex social issues.
The characterization of various social groups illustrates the nuances of human behavior and societal structures.

Final Reflections

The narrative considerations such as Miss Maudie's commentary on Atticus's qualifications signify the complexities of legal morality and racial bias within the justice system.
The exploration of childhood innocence versus harsh societal realities underlines the overarching themes of empathy, moral integrity, and the pursuit of justice.

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Description

Dive into the key themes and important questions from chapters 17 to 23 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' This quiz focuses on critical analysis of character motivations and significant events, including Atticus’s observations during the trial. Test your understanding of this classic novel with these flashcards!